Garam Masala

I once did a curry cooking course with Mr Ali, of the http://kushibalti.wordpress.com/ fame. The most important thing I learnt was “make your own garam masala”. A few people have asked for my recipe, and here it is:

5 parts coriander seed

5 parts cumin seed

3 parts mustard seed

1 part de-shelled black cardamom

1 part de-shelled green cardamom

1 part fenugreek seed

1 part fennel seed

1 part caraway seed

1 part cinnamon bark

Put all in a heavy saucepan and toast on a high heat until the coriander and mustard seeds are popping nicely, shaking or stirring so that the seeds don’t burn. Allow to cool, then grind.